15 Oct 2025
On 8 October, the School of Mathematics and Physics successfully held its first series of the School Learning and Teaching Seminar, i.e., the AY2425 School Teaching Grant (STG) Awardee’s Sharing, marking an important milestone in the School’s ongoing commitment to teaching innovation. The event showcased the latest achievements in teaching practice and the integration of technology, particularly in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance teaching and streamline academic administration.
Dr Ruonan Zhang, Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching at the School, opened the seminar by stating:
“Our School starts organizing the Learning Teaching Seminar since AY2526, which tends to enhance communication, engagement and good practice sharing among academic staffs. The STG project is one of our key examples to promote teaching excellence. It provides a valuable ‘testbed’ for exploring transformative teaching methods, while also fostering a culture of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. This year’s sharing seminar was especially inspiring. Many colleagues have explored AI applications in teaching, aligning with both the pace of technological development and the university’s strategic direction. We hope such exchanges will encourage more staff to embrace change, explore new possibilities in education, and create more engaging and supportive learning environments for students.”
AI Empowerment: From Teaching Tool to Creativity Amplifier
Dr Xi Chen introduced the project “Student-centred AI Video Production for Enhanced Physics Learning Experiences”, which redefines the teacher’s role in the AI era. By guiding students to use AI tools to create their own physics learning videos, the classroom evolves from traditional instruction to co-creation, inspiring student engagement and creativity.
Dr Niels Gresnigt presented “Integrating AI Tools in the Creation of First-Year Physics Exercise Booklets”. His team utilised advanced large language models such as ChatGPT-3 and ChatGPT-4 to generate a series of comprehensive physics exercise booklets. The materials cover all Year One modules with step-by-step solutions, providing students with structured and accessible self-learning resources.
Dr Yi Hong discussed “AI-integrated Learning and Teaching in Financial Mathematics (Undergraduate) Modules”, demonstrating how AI can strengthen students’ abilities in mathematical modelling, programming, and academic writing, offering fresh perspectives on cultivating interdisciplinary financial technology talents.
Efficiency and Curriculum Enhancement: Multi-Dimensional Innovation
Dr Ren Zhao showcased “Support Academic Administrators: Automation of Administrative Processes for Large Modules”, which addressed long-standing challenges in grade compilation and data verification. The new automated tool reduces tasks that once took hours to just seconds, greatly improving the efficiency and accuracy of academic administration.
Dr Yina Liu presented the project “Construction of an Authoritative Reference Book of Engineering Mathematics at XJTLU”, aiming to bridge the gap between mathematical theory and engineering practice through the development of a reference book enriched with real-world engineering examples.
Dr Zhehao Zhang shared the “Actuarial Science Differentiation Plan”, highlighting the department’s ongoing efforts in refining and diversifying its professional curriculum.
The seminar offered an inspiring exchange of innovative teaching ideas, reflecting the School’s active exploration in response to the digital and intelligent transformation of higher education.
As Dr Zhang concluded, ?“Through today’s sharing session, we have seen how colleagues are applying AI and process optimisation to teaching practice, a direction that not only aligns with the pace of technological development but also echoes the University’s strategic vision. We hope that such exchanges will inspire more teachers to embrace change and collectively explore new possibilities for future education, enabling students to thrive in a more inspiring and supportive learning environment.
In the upcoming Learning and Teaching Seminars, we will continue to organise sessions on other topics, such as the development of the Student Help Centre, guidance on TDF applications, and the design of online assessments. We warmly welcome colleagues to take part and contribute their insights.”
By Qinru Liu
15 Oct 2025